Heritage
A house, in its own words
The house traces its origins to the shared vision of Vincent Micotti and Vera Yeoh, who established YS-UZAC in September 2011. Micotti's background as a classical cellist shaped his approach to fragrance creation, as he applies musical concepts of harmony, counterpoint, and temporal progression to olfactory composition. His journey from concert musician to perfumer reflects a broader artistic evolution rather than a commercial pivot. Yeoh's involvement as a co-founder brought complementary perspective to the venture. The couple built the brand slowly, releasing fragrances at an unhurried pace that prioritized artistic integrity over market demands. By 2017, Micotti had gained institutional recognition when the Fondation Beyeler commissioned him to create a scented interpretation for its 20th anniversary exhibition dedicated to Paul Klee. This commission represented a significant milestone, validating the house's artistic approach within the broader art world. The brand has since expanded its portfolio with releases spanning multiple years, maintaining a consistent commitment to conceptual fragrance-making that distinguishes it from conventional niche houses.
YS-UZAC approaches perfumery as an artistic discipline rather than a commercial enterprise. The house describes its creations as artistic interpretations of senses, positioning fragrance as a medium for exploring concepts that extend beyond conventional olfactory pleasure. Micotti's musical background informs this philosophy deeply, as he treats each fragrance like a composition with its own rhythm, dynamics, and emotional arc. The brand rejects the idea that a fragrance should simply smell pleasant, instead pursuing compositions that challenge and engage the wearer. Avant-garde sensibilities guide the creative process, with the house willing to pursue unusual material combinations and unconventional structures. This approach attracts collectors who seek fragrances with conceptual depth rather than crowd-pleasing formulations. The philosophy also encompasses a belief in the power of scent to evoke memory, atmosphere, and artistic experience in ways that other media cannot achieve.